If you spend long hours at your desk, hunched over a laptop, there’s a chance your shoulder pain isn’t just “bad posture” - it could be something more specific.
Ever heard of SICK Scapula Syndrome? Let’s break it down:
What is SICK Scapula Syndrome?
“SICK” is not just a dramatic name - it’s actually an acronym:
Scapular malposition
Inferior medial border prominence
Coracoid pain and malposition
Kinesis abnormalities of the scapula
In simpler words, it’s a shoulder imbalance caused by poor posture, muscle weakness, or repetitive strain - especially common among tech professionals who sit for hours with rounded shoulders and forward head posture.
Over time, this affects how your scapula (shoulder blade) moves, leading to upper back pain, shoulder stiffness, and even difficulty lifting your arm.
Why It’s Common in Techies!
If you’re coding, designing, or managing meetings from your laptop all day, chances are:
You sit with your shoulders rolled forward.
Your neck juts out toward the screen.
You rarely move your upper back or shoulders.
This combination slowly causes muscle imbalances - your front muscles (like the chest) tighten, while your upper back and shoulder stabilizers weaken.
The result? SICK Scapula Syndrome - a modern-day overuse injury from digital overwork.
Common Symptoms:
You might notice:
Dull or sharp pain near your shoulder blade or upper back
Shoulder fatigue or weakness while typing or reaching overhead
A visible shoulder drop or winging scapula
Pain that worsens after long sitting or screen time
Ignoring these signs can eventually lead to chronic shoulder impingement or even rotator cuff issues.
Diagnosis and Treatment
At Arthomed Clinic, Dr. Raghu Nagaraj, a leading orthopedic and sports injury specialist, uses clinical movement analysis and advanced imaging to precisely identify shoulder mechanics.
Treatment usually involves:
Postural retraining and ergonomic corrections
Targeted physiotherapy to strengthen stabilizing muscles
Manual therapy or dry needling to release tight areas
In severe cases, AI-assisted motion tracking rehab is used to ensure symmetrical shoulder recovery
Most patients notice improvement within a few weeks when guided correctly.
Prevention Tips for Desk Workers
Adjust your screen height to eye level.
Take micro breaks every 45–60 minutes.
Add shoulder blade squeezes or wall slides into your day.
Keep your keyboard close to avoid reaching forward.
Invest in a supportive chair that promotes upright posture.
Remember - prevention is easier (and faster) than recovery.
Conclusion:
Your shoulder blades are the foundation of your upper body movement - and just like your code or design systems, they need proper alignment to function smoothly.
If you’re experiencing upper back or shoulder pain that just won’t go away, it’s worth checking for SICK Scapula Syndrome.
With early diagnosis and guided treatment at Arthomed Clinic, Bangalore, you can get back to pain-free movement - and your tech routine - without missing a beat.
Dr. Raghu Nagaraj
Director - Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & Robotic Joint Replacement
Arthomed Clinic & Kauvery Hospitals, Bangalore
Address: No. 54, 2nd floor, ESI Hospital, Link Rd 4, next to Nalli Silks corporate office, near Indiranagar, Appareddipalya, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008
Phone: 099027 58444
Website:https://arthomed.in
